BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain yesterday demanded immediate withdrawal of the charges against detained BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique Rahman of embezzling funds from Zia Orphanage Trust.
He said cases are being filed against the former prime minister to make her ineligible to contest the elections.
“Neutrality of this government is open to question for its unfriendly attitude towards BNP,” the BNP secretary general told reporters at his Nam flat in the city.
“The Zia Orphanage Trust case involves incidents that date back to 1991-96, still it has been included for trial under the emergency power rules,” he said.
The Anti-Corruption Commission filed the case Thursday.
Delwar accused the caretaker government of applying double standards in treating BNP and Awami League (AL).
He observed, “It [government] has sent the head of a political party abroad without delay, whereas it keeps ignoring the medical board’s recommendations for arranging overseas treatment for Tarique and Koko.”
Replying to a query, he said, “We too want trial of those corrupt, but that must be done under the existing laws. All political leaders would be released if the judges are allowed to work independently.”
Criticising AL for sitting with the government, the BNP leader said it’s no wonder the party that had “aided the present administration in assuming power” is taking part in the dialogue.
On the commerce adviser’s expressing hope that BNP too would join the dialogue and play its “due role”, he said on one hand it [government] preaches understanding and on the other files cases one after another.
“It is in fact working towards a stage-managed election to form a rubber stamp parliament,” he added.
Delwar, also a former chief whip, reiterated that his party and the four-party alliance will not participate in the August 4 local polls. “We are in politics for the people and for upholding the constitution. We’ll take steps against those who will submit nominations for the elections.”
Expressing worries over the recent hike in energy price, he said, “The government should reverse the decision, or else it will add to public sufferings.”
BNP Joint Secretary General Selima Rahman, former lawmakers Abul Hossain Khan and Sohrab Uddin and acting office secretary Rizvi Ahmed, among others, were present in the news briefing.
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